12 Facts About Keble Howard

Keble Howard was the pen name of John Keble Bell.

Keble Howard was an English writer and journalist, who wrote a large number of novels, short stories, sketches and plays, mainly light comic pieces, often depicting suburban life.

John Keble Howard Bell was born in Basingstoke in 1875, the third of the twelve children of the Reverend George Edward Bell.

Keble Howard however became disillusioned with the Church and, not attending his final year due to lack of funds, finally failed his degree.

Keble Howard however continued to contribute a weekly column to The Sketch under the heading Motley Notes, his final piece appearing on 14 March 1928, two weeks before his death.

Keble Howard had been a published author of novels and short stories since 1901, with his first play in 1906.

Keble Howard often used 'Keble Howard' for other business matters, but never formally changed his name.

Keble Howard was involved in the production of his plays, both in the West End and touring, and sometimes acted in them.

Keble Howard published his wartime reminiscences in 1919 under the title An Author in Wonderland.

Keble Howard lived for most of his adult life in the south of England.

Keble Howard died in a Bournemouth nursing home from heart failure on 29 March 1928 aged 52, the death described by The Sketch as "sudden and tragic".

Keble Howard's wife did not remarry and died in 1962, they had no children.